INNOVATION is the key to business success in the North-East.

That was the message from clockwork radio inventor Trevor Baylis when he helped to launch the North-East Innovation Strategy and Action Plan yesterday.

Mr Baylis addressed an audience of more than 200 delegates from business and support organisations at the Samsung Centre at Wynyard Park.

He stressed the importance of motivating young people to innovate and develop new business ideas.

He said: "It is vital that we stimulate innovation in schools, for pupils and teachers alike, and particularly in small business. It is the future of economic prosperity and the key to the knowledge driven economy, turning ideas into products and services to meet people's needs."

The North-East innovation Strategy and Action Plan has been produced by development agency One NorthEast.

It provides a framework for business innovation aimed at accelerating the creation, acquisition and application of knowledge, skills and new technologies by the businesses.

Yesterday's interactive launch took the audience on a "journey through innovation" involving presentations by local schools and businesses actively embracing the innovation culture. Presentations included work from Young Foresight pupils in Stanley, Sunderland and Newcastle.

Teesside entrepreneur Simon Brown, whose company Chili Media offers e-business solutions, gave a presentation on enabling business to innovate.

Other companies involved in presentations were Bede Technology, from Tyneside, and Northern Enterprise Ltd, a fund for regional small and medium sized firms to develop innovative products.

One NorthEast is pursuing an innovative culture for the region which will underpin the objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy.

The North East Innovation Strategy will contribute to the development of a vibrant economy fit for the 21st Century.

Dr Bridge said: "The Innovation Strategy and Action Plan embraces innovation in its true sense and aims to embed it into the business plan of every North-East company.

"It is crucial that we fast track innovative ideas through to product development, putting our local businesses at the cutting edge of competitiveness to deliver success and a world class region for the 21st Century."

An Innovation Management Team from One NorthEast will work with regional partners to manage and monitor the progress of the strategy.

Resources will be made available for companies identifying opportunities for innovative projects which could create competitive advantages.